Sonnedix surpasses 1GW of operating capacity in Spain with the inauguration of its 150MW Betierra solar portfolio

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27 November 2024

Cuenca, Spain – Sonnedix, a leading renewable energy producer with over 3.5 GW of global operating capacity, is proud to celebrate the inauguration of its 150 MW Betierra project. The inauguration marks a significant milestone for the company as it officially surpasses 1 GW of owned and operated renewable energy capacity in Spain.

Betierra is located in Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, in east-central Spain. It consists of three 50 MW solar plants with shared interconnection infrastructure, a first for a project of this scale in Sonnedix’s Spanish portfolio, showcasing the company’s commitment and focus on the optimisation of renewable energy.

Since achieving commercial operation in September 2024, the project is now generating nearly 300,000 MWh of clean electricity annually, equivalent to powering over 71,0001 households and avoiding over 107,000 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year2. The renewable energy will be supplied to Equinix under a 10-year Purchase Power Agreement (PPA) signed in May 2023.

Betierra is part of a larger 300 MW portfolio acquired in development stage from RIC Energy in 2021, with the remaining 150 MW in late development stage. Today’s inauguration highlights Sonnedix’s long term approach as both an owner, developer, and an operator, acquiring projects for the long term.

Axel Thiemann, Sonnedix’s Chief Executive Officer said:

“With the inauguration of Betierra, we’re proud to be celebrating the landmark achievement of 1 GW capacity in Spain. This comes a month after we celebrated Sonnedix’s 15th anniversary, a journey that started in Spain. From a 1 MW solar plant, we have transformed into a leading solar PV player in the country. This portfolio is also our tenth project to reach commercial operation this year alone, reflecting our continued expansion on a global scale.”

Gerson Gonzalez Hernandez, Representative Director at Sonnedix in Spain said:

“Over the last three years the team has focused on the efficient and cost-effective construction of this innovative project, from optimising shared interconnection infrastructure to adapting its design to fit with and protect the natural environment. The support from local and regional authorities has been instrumental in achieving this milestone, which not only supplies clean energy to Equinix through a long-term PPA, but also contributes significantly to Spain’s renewable energy targets and energy transition."

Eulalia Flo, Managing Director at Equinix in Spain said:

“The inauguration of this new solar park marks a milestone in our sustainability strategy. Through this 150 MW PPA, resulting from the agreement between Equinix and Sonnedix, we secure a renewable energy source that exceeds the consumption of our data centers in Spain, which are already covered by 100% renewable energy, and at the same time contribute to the decarbonization of the Spanish grid. For Equinix, this is another positive step in our commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2030”.

The inauguration ceremony, scheduled to take place in Belinchón, Cuenca, will be attended by local and regional government representatives, along with members of Sonnedix’s and Equinix’s management team. Carlos Guinand, Founder and Chairman of Sonnedix as well as Eulalia Flo, Managing Director of Equinix, will join local officials in cutting the ribbon, officially inaugurating the project.

-Ends-

 

About Sonnedix

Sonnedix is a global renewable energy producer with over a decade-long trajectory of sustainable growth. Sonnedix develops, builds, and operates renewable energy projects for the long-term, with a focus on providing green, affordable electricity to our customers, and acting as a true social citizen there where it operates.

Sonnedix currently has a total capacity of over 11GW, including a development pipeline of more than 6GW, across Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Spain, USA, and UK. The company continues to expand its global footprint across OECD countries, through acquisitions and development of renewable energy projects.

For more information, please visit www.sonnedix.com

 

1IEA figures used in Average Household Electricity Consumption - 2024 - Shrink That Footprint

2Emission Factors 2023